Conclusion

Ratings (out of 5)

Design

4

Features

4

Ease-of-Use

4

Image Quality

4.5

Value for Money

4.5

The Fujifilm Finepix S6500fd is a rather strange beast which
ultimately doesn't beat either the ultra-zoom bridge-style
camera competition, or the entry-level DSLRs, but still manages
to be an enjoyable camera to use. Fujifilm are making a big
song and dance about the Face Detection feature, even appending
the acronym "fd" to the model name. It's an effective
addition, making it easier for the beginner to achieve better
portrait shots. It works well in the right situations and
is also quick, something that other competitors systems struggle
with. There are some limitations to the system, however, which
make it most suitable for posed group shots where your subject(s)
is standing still at a moderate distance.

Compared with the likes of the Sony Cybershot DSC-H2, Panasonic
Lumix DMC-FZ50 and Canon Powershot S3 IS, the S6500fd sorely
lacks an optical image stabilisation system. Providing a maximum
telephoto length of 300mm is an excellent idea for shooting
in perfect lighting, but it inevitably leads to camera-shake
in shots in poorer conditions, especially if you don't set
the ISO speed to 800 or faster. If you want an ultra-zoom
digital camera that can cope with indoor and low-light shooting
at wider focal lengths, or you're prepared to use the higher
ISO speeds, then the S6500fd fares much better than other
ultra-zoom models. Currently few other compact digicams come
close at ISO 400 and above, and the S6500fd also delivers
relatively low noise at ISO 800 and even 1600, with the fastest
setting of 3200 being fine for smaller print sizes. The new
anti-blur and intelligent flash modes are useful automatic
additions to what is already an impressive low-light package.
The Fujifilm Finepix S6500fd delivers very good overall image
quality - only some purple fringing in high-contrast situations
spoils an otherwise excellent performance.

Compared with the likes of the Nikon D40, Sony A100 and Canon
EOS 400D, the DSLRs all offer faster performance (especially
in RAW mode) and better image quality because of the larger
sensor sizes. The 3 shot limit in the continuous mode, and
complete lack of any continuous shooting when using RAW, will
put off sports-shooters. In addition the RAW software that
Fujifilm provides in the box is simply not up to the job.
The S6500fd's electronic viewfinder also suffers in comparison,
being less comfortable and accurate than a traditional optical
viewfinder, especially for action photography. So despite
some great, DSLR-like features such as the manual zooming
and focusing rings, the advantages of the compact digicam
format (movie mode, live preview via the LCD screen, dust-free
fixed lens) don't quite out-weigh the disadvantages of this
camera when compared with a DSLR.

In summary, the Fujifilm Finepix S6500fd is an appealing
camera, but one which doesn't quite match its competitors,
whether that's an ultra-zoom bridge camera with image stabilisation,
or an entry-level DSLR.

PhotographyBLOG
is a member of the DIWA
organisation. Our test results for the Fujifilm Finepix S6500fd
have been submitted to DIWA
for comparison with test results for different samples of
the same camera model supplied by other DIWA
member sites.

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